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Book of Kells

 

The Lectern

 

 

THE DIOCESE OF MEATH & KILDARE

Some Historical Notes 1152 on

In 1152 CE the Great Synod of Kells was held, at which Cardinal Papiro presided, being sent to Ireland by Pope Eugenius III. At the Synod, the four Ecclesiastical Provinces were defined and Palls , were for the first time bestowed on the four Archbishops: Armagh, Dublin, Cashel and Tuam. For some years after the Synod, Kells was granted Diocesan status and St. Columba's Church, became the Cathedral for the diocese. The Bishop of Kells is listed in a list of Irish Bishoprics, compiled at the time of Pope Eugenius, (1143 - 1153), It is recorded that Bishop Thaddeus of Kells paid homage to Henry II, in 1152 CE, at Cashel. There are no Bishop's of Kells mentioned after 1211 CE, and soon afterwards, the small Diocese, which had maintained its independence with difficulty, for about sixty years, was absorbed into the newly created Diocese of Meath, by Bishop Simon Rochfort.

After the Reformation, the most interesting period, is that of Bishop Dopping. A Royal Visitation was held in the Diocese of Meath, and the report of the Visitation was written by Bishop Dopping, in 1693. The report describes the state of the Diocese and makes rather depressing reading. The number of Church of Ireland Clergy was few and many were non-resident. There were also a number of Clergy who were pluralists, meaning they were holding Parishes in various parts of the Country, with little hope of them performing Clerical duty, in any of their Parishes. Reporting on the Church at Kilucan, Bishop Dopping remarks: "The large Parish of Killucan has a non-resident Incumbent, who spends his time in Dublin. His Curate lives in the Parish, and preaches as often as his age and infirmities permit. The Church and Chancel are in poor repair, and six Chapels of Ease, which are situated at different parts of the Parish are all in ruin...".

This ad-hoc approach to Church building continued for almost 100 years, but the situation did improve, with Churches being restored and re-opened as Clerical man-power and finances improved. In 1693, there were only 43 Churches in repair and in use, but by 1733, this had increased to 70. The number of Clergy had also risen from 55, in 1693, to 81, in 1733. A report, given to Bishop Ellis, in 1733, about the condition of the Diocese, mentions many Churches, but the information about Moynalty (one of the Churches in the Kells Union of Parishes), is most interesting: "The Church is handsome and lofty, the roof and walls, firm and good. It is well flagged and furnished with decent seats, a font of stone, a Communion Table, decently railed in, and the floor raised and boarded". Kells seems to have been the most desirable to hold in the 1740's. The Rector of Kells, who also held the position, of Archdeacon of Meath, had an annual income of £700. The Parish Church is described thus: "The Communion Table is railed in. There is a decent carpet, a fair linen cloth, a silver chalice and paten, and two flagons of pewter, a stone font, a surplice, a Bible, two Common Prayer Books, a Book of Canons, a book wherein are registered the Christenings, Marriages and Burials, and another, the Acts of the Vestry and there are convenient boxes for collecting the alms. There are two Services on a Sunday, at one of which, a Sermon is preached, and a Service on Wednesdays , Fridays and Holy Days".

Thomas Lewis O'Beirne was appointed Bishop of Meath in 1798. He studied for the Roman Catholic Priesthood in France and later entered Cambridge University. At Cambridge, he became an Anglican, and was ordained in the Diocese of Peterborough. He was a naval chaplain, a pamphleteer, poet and playwright and was appointed Chaplain to the Viceroy in Dublin. He became Bishop of Ossory in 1795 and was translated to Meath in 1798. During his time as Bishop of Meath , he stamped out absenteeism amongst the Clergy and embarked on a large Church, Rectory and School building project. He succeeded in building 57 new Churches and 72 Church houses in the Diocese. He died at the Bishop's Palace, at Ardbraccan, on February 17th 1823. A Memorial Tablet was erected in his memory in Ardbraccan Church (now closed), which was recently re-erected in Trim Cathedral. O'Beirne became known as 'The Church Building Bishop', but sadly, in recent years, many of the Churches he erected, have been closed. Bishop O'Beirne's Churches are also known as 'Board of First Fruits Churches', and can easily be identified because of their similar architectural style, a rectangular building with a square , pinnacled tower at the West end. The Board of First Fruits gave grants to rebuild or erect new Churches in many rural areas throughout Ireland, and it so happened, that it was O'Beirne, who encouraged their erection in the Diocese of Meath.

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Some Historical Notes......1800 on

In 1801, the Church of Ireland was united to the Church of England, following the 'Act of Union'. It remained united until the Disestablishment Act of 1869, which severed this union. In 1833 the 'Church Temporalities Act' became law. By this Act, the number of Sees in Ireland was reduced. There had been four Archbishops in the Church of Ireland: Armagh, Dublin, Cashel and Tuam, but the Act reduced this number to two: Armagh and Dublin, Tuam and Cashel were reduced to Bishoprics and ten other Bishoprics were suppressed, and their Sees united to neighbouring Diocese'. After Disestablishment, the Church of Ireland was no longer the 'State Church' in Ireland, and Parishes had to shoulder the burden of supporting their Clergy and maintaining their Churches, more so than in the past. Nevertheless, new Churches continued to be built in the Diocese of Meath, including: Foyran, Moyliscar, Durrow, Moydrum, and Shannon-Bridge, (these five have been closed in recent years). Although Church building was continuing, between 1870 and 1910, decline had set in and the frequency of Services in many rural Churches was reduced. In the 'Parliamentary Returns' by John Erck, published in 1867, he paints a rather sorry picture of rural Church attendance. He notes that in rural areas, where the Anglicans are thinly scattered, the attendance is miserable, in many cases, consisting of only one or two families. There is a story told about the Duke of Leinster, who was travelling back to Maynooth, in his carriage, meeting his Curate returning from Church early. The Duke asked the Curate, why he was out so early, to which the Curate replied: "She is ill!". There was but one woman who attended the Church.

This account of Church life in the period 1870-1910, makes one wonder what a typical Church of Ireland Church Service would have been like to attend. Small congregations and cold Churches seem to be the main complaint. Mary Ponsonby writes about attending Church in 1880: "A dismal barn-like building so cold and damp that even in summertime it struck a chill all through one. The floor is ill-paved, the plaster peeling off the walls and the cushions moth eaten". Lady Alice Howard was another who found Church-going depressing. She writes in her diary, one Sunday, in 1882: "Very dreary, such a dull old parson and the Church nearly empty". In Edwardian times, Anglicans became renowned for their lack of piety and many found going to Church a bore, though not perhaps to the extent, as Lord Mayo's unmarried sister, Lady Florence Bourke, who, when attending Church near her family home in County Kildare, would relieve the tedium of the sermon by jabbing the people in front of her with her hat pin!.

Following the First World War and the Irish Civil War, many of the Ascendancy families left Ireland and combined with the numbers who were killed in the War, the number of Irish Anglicans declined drastically. This decline continued after the Second World War, and it became clear that major changes were needed to reorganise the Church of Ireland. A 'City and Town Parishes Commission' was established in 1948 to investigate the problem of too many Church buildings. The Commission drew up a scheme for the Diocese of Dublin, in 1959, and recommended the closure of ten city centre Churches, including: St. Mary's in Mary Street, St. James, in James Street, St. Aidan's and Christ Church, Carysfort Avenue. In 1965, the process began in the Diocese of Meath and Churches such as: Kilshine, Balrathboyne, Kilbeggan, Kilmessan, Collinstown, Castletown-Kilpatrick, Painestown, Stackallen and Laracor were all closed and de-consecrated. Those Churches , not closed, were amalgamated into larger Groups or Unions of Parishes and the number of Clergy, serving in the Diocese was reduced also. Further decline continued in the 1970's and the Diocese of Meath was united to the Diocese of Kildare, in 1976. By 1986, it was clear that, another round of Church closure was needed. A 'Commission on Church Buildings' was established by the General Synod, and in the Diocese of Meath and Kildare, it recommended 29 Church closures. In the area around Kells, the following Churches were closed: Moynalty, Moybollogue, Drumconrath, Tara, Bective, Galtrim, Ballivor, Clonmellon, Drumcree, Loughcrew and Mayne. Most of these Churches were only in use 'part-time' and had very few attending Services. Nevertheless the pain of these closures was deeply felt, as we all have a great sense of love and affection towards our Church buildings.

Today there is a greater desire to preserve the heritage of our past. Old Church buildings have taken on a new lease of life in the Diocese, with some being converted into houses and others serving a new function in their local areas. On the great Hill of Tara, seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the small Church has been restored and is used to tell the story of Tara. Its interior has been restored and its original furnishings, lovingly restored. The Church in Moynalty has been converted into a Credit Union Office (a form of Community Bank), for the village. Bective Church is now an artists studio and Ballivor has become a heritage centre. Thirty years ago these buildings would have been demolished or allowed to fall into ruin, but attitudes have changed and preservation is taking a bigger priority.

This brief account of life in the Church of Ireland in this Diocese may have given the impression that the Church of Ireland is a relic of the past, nothing could be further than the truth. Week by week over thirty Churches are used in the Diocese and the Sacraments of the Church administered. Parish Schools in various Parishes still educate the young of our Churches. Parochial organisations, such as the Mothers' Union, Girls' Brigade, Boys' Brigade, Girls Friendly Society and many other social and recreational activities flourish. Flower festivals, Choral evenings, Celtic festivals, Charity events all take place and inject a vibrancy into our Parishes. Certainly, difficulties have affected the Church of Ireland in the past, but we go forward, into the future, with faith.

 

 

 
 

 

FURNISHINGS IN ST. COLUMBA'S

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BRASS LECTERN:

Formerly in Moynalty Church, and moved to Kells Church in 1992. Former Lectern presented to Dalkey Church, in the Diocese of Dublin.

"Sine Timore" "To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Hugh Gardiner Mc.Cormick of Williamstown, Co. Meath. Captain, Royal Warwick Regt. He was mortally wounded in action. Oct. 19th. 1914, and died the same night at a Convent Hospital in German hands at Menin. Aged 28 years." "Fear God and keep his Commandments".

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PLAQUE FROM FORMER LECTERN:

"The Bible and Brass Lectern in this Church are a memorial to Major Gustavus Tuite Dalton who died 20th January 1879, and are the gift of his family."

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PULPIT:

"This Pulpit was erected to the memory of H. Victor Mayne Ringwood, B.A.,T.C.D. Irish Imperial Yeomanry. By his many friends as a token of affection and regret at his early death. He died while serving his Queen and Country, at Bulawayo, South Africa, February 9th. 1901, Aged 27 years." "A good soldier of Jesus Christ."

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READING DESK:

"To the Glory of God and in loving memory of H. Victor Mayne Ringwood. Born 24th May 1873, Died 9th February 1901. Erected by his sorrowing family." "He shall receive the crown of life".

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CROSS:

"St. Columba's Church, Kells, 1966"

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CHOIR STALLS:

"To the Glory of God and in loving memory of Emily, Louisa, Florence and Helen, Daughters of Thomas and Louisa Rothwell of Rockfield, Kells, 1968."

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ST MARY'S FONT:

Formerly in St. Mary's Church, Dublin.

"Suffer the little children to come unto me" "To the glory of God 'The Children's Offering' 1898".

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REREDOS (behind Font):

Formerly behind the Altar in Kilshine Church.

"To the glory of God, and in loving memory of my dearly loved husband, John Rankin McKeever of Gravelmount, Navan. Died 11th November 1940"

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FACSIMILE BOOK OF KELLS AND CASE:

"The Facsimile copy of The Book of Kells, Gift of the Healy family, To the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Healy L.L.D. Historian and Antiquarian, Archdeacon of Meath, Rector of Kells, 1887-1917. The Case was presented Anonymously, June 1962."

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ELECTRIC LIGHT:

"The Electric Light in this Church was installed September 1931, To the Glory of God, and in loving memory of Louisa C.H. Rothwell, Widow of Thomas Rothwell, D.L. of Rockfield." "The path of the just is as the shining light".

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NORTH WINDOW:

Artist: Heaton, Butler & Bayne, London.

Subject: "A Good Wife" (Proverbs 31:27) and "Armour of God" (Ephesians 6:11)

Date: 1916.

"She looketh well to the ways of her household" "Put on the whole armour of God"

"To the Glory of God & in loving memory of Mary, wife of the Rev. John Healy, Archdeacon of Meath, who died Feb. 28 1913, aged 63 years" "Also of their son, Guy Bambant Healy, Lieut. Royal Munster Fusiliers, who was killed in action. March 11th 1916. aged 33 years."

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SOUTH WINDOW:

Artist: Heaton, Butler & Bayne, London.

Subject: "Angels and women at the tomb"

Date: 1915.

"Why seek ye the living among the dead. He is not here but is risen"

"Erected by Hilda Dyas in memory of her beloved husband, Henry Mortimer Dyas, who died August 25th. 1915. Aged 57 years."


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SANCTUARY WINDOW:

Artist: Unknown

Subject: Celtic Ornamentation . An unusual grisaille window where the Celtic Revival has been embodied in stained glass. An effective window and appropriate for the home of the Book of Kells.

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HEADFORT GALLERY WINDOW:

Artist: Clayton & Bell.

Subject: An Angel

Date: 1893.

 

 

MONUMENTS

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There are many fine wall monuments of interest in the Church, but the most important, is that of Thomas Taylour, beside the reading Desk. This monument, made of limestone and Kilkenny marble, in the form of a casket, was erected in 1736. It commemorates the Right Hon. Sir. Thomas Taylour, Baronet, "one of His Majesty's most Honourable Privy Council, in the Kingdom of Ireland". He died on August 9th 1736. The monument also commemorates his wife, Ann, Lady Taylour, who died in 1710.

OTHER MONUMENTS OF INTEREST:

(1). Woodward, Charles, Esther, Benjamin & Elizabeth.

"Sacred to the Memory of the Revd. Charles Woodward, D.D. Rector of Ardee, Co. of Louth, Whose truly benevolent Disposition, Many estimable Qualities and amiable Conduct In every relative Duty in Life. Rendered him sincerely beloved by all who knew him. And his early Death deeply lamented. It pleased GOD to call him to everlasting Happiness in a Moment Without previous suffering or pain On the 9th Jany. 1793, Aged 53 Years. "Let me die the Death of the Righteous And let my last end be like His" . Also to the Memory of his first Wife Esther Wade Who died 5th. Aug. 1776, Aged 30 Years. And their eldest Son Benjamin Woodward Who died 29th July 1776, Aged 11 Years. Likewise to the Memory of his second Wife Elizabeth Minchin Who died Decem. 1778 Aged 44 Years. Their Children have caused this Monument To be Erected in grateful Remembrance Of the best of Parents."

(2). Mills, The Reverend William.

"This Memorial Of The Reverend William Mills Curate Of This Parish In Days Both Few And Evil., Was Erected By His Sorrowing Flock For A Continual Remembrance Of That Gospel Which He Preached And Of The Life Which He Led By The Faith Of The Son Of God, Warning Everyone Night And Day, And Adorning The Doctrine Of God His Saviour In All Things. Here Where His Light Did Shine Before Men To The Glory Of God, His Body Now Resteth In Hope. Till In The Resurrection Of The Just He Shall Shine As The Sun In The Kingdom Of His Father For Ever And Ever. He Departed This Life March 3rd. 1848, Aged 36 Years."

(3). Smyth, The Reverend James.

"Underneath are interr'd The Revd. JAMES SMYTH, 27 Years Archdeacon of Meath, who died November 1759: Aged 78. And CATHERINE his Wife, Daughter of Dr. JOHN VESEY, ArchBishop of Tuam who died in May 1733: Aged 52. Their Children Have caused this Monument To be erected to the Memory of the best of Parents."

(4). Headfort, Thomas, 2nd Marquess of.

"To the memory of Thomas, 2nd. Marquess of Headfort, who departed this life Decr. 6th. 1870, in his 84th. Year. This Tablet is erected by his children in fond remembrance of the best most loving of Fathers. 'Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy'"

(5). Stopford, Robert Edward.

"In Memory Of Robert Edward Stopford R.N. Lieutenant Commanding H.M. Gunboat Starling, Drowned in the China Seas July 19 1868. Aged 27, By His Last Order Preferring The Lives Of Others To His Own. Erected By The Young Men Of Kells And Friends Who Knew And Loved Him. His Mourners Rest In Hope Until The Sea Shall Give Up Its Dead. Heb. VI.13."

(6). Rothwell, Richard and Elizabeth.

"In Memory Of RICHARD ROTHWELL ESQ. J.P. D.L. Of Rockfield, Who Died August 13th. 1853. Also Of ELIZABETH His Wife, Daughter Of The REV. THOMAS SUTTON, Rector of Clongill, Who died November 24th. 1871. We 'Sorrow Not, Even As Others Which Have No Hope' 'For If We Believe That Jesus Died And Rose Again, Even So Them Also Which Sleep In Jesus Will God Bring With Him' 1 Thess.4. 13&14."

(7). War Memorial (1914 - 1918)

"In Grateful Memory Of:

2nd LIEUTENANT F. S. Caroll, Royal Inniskilling Fus.

PRIVATE J. Glancy, Northumberland Fus.

LIEUTENANT G.R. Healy, Royal Munster Fus.

2nd LIEUTENANT O.W. Holmes, Royal Inniskilling Fus.

PRIVATE F. Jennings, Royal Irish Regiment.

CAPTAIN J.H.G. Mc.Cormick, Royal Warwickshire Regt.

CAPTAIN H.T. Radcliffe, Leinster Regiment.

CAPTAIN C.A. Tisdall, Irish Guards.

WHO DIED FOR KING AND COUNTRY IN THE GREAT WAR, 1914 - 1919. 'I am the Resurrection and the Life'"

(8). War Memorial (1939 - 1945)

"TO THE GLORY OF GOD AND IN MEMORY OF:

CHARLES POWELL BOMFORD, Flying Officer, R.A.F.

RICHARD LYNDON BOMFORD, Lieutenant, The Rifle Brigade.

GEORGE TREVOR LOWRY, Hong Kong Volunteer Defence Corps.

MICHAEL WILLIAM KNOX TISDALL, Sergeant, Corps of Military Police.

DANIEL ANTHONY TRAILL, Sergeant, R.A.F.

OF THE PARISH OF KELLS AND BALRATHBOYNE, WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES IN THE WAR OF 1939 - 1945."


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